Spiraken Review Podcast
Books & Literature
About
600 episodes of manga mayhem, powered by our infamous Wheel of Manga! Will it land on Restaurant To Another World’s cozy charm or Attack on Titan’s despair? No one knows—not even us. Beyond the Wheel, we’re your go-to for manga hot takes, convention adventures, movie breakdowns, and our passionate monthly Book Club. From Lupin III’s heists to Vagabond’s soul-searching, if it’s kinetically enhanced, we’ve spun it. Tune in weekly for glorious uncertainty!. Check out our podcast at www.spiraken.com or at Youtube.com/@spiraken and remember to like and subscribe
Episodes
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 624: Assassin & Cinderella
Xan dives into the deliciously predictable world of Assassin & Cinderella by Yuzo Natsuno, an ecchi shojo where a spy and an assassin trade bullets for wedding vows. Does this Square Enix title follow the Spy x Family blueprint, or does it…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 623: Centuria
Xan ventures into the grim world of Centuria by Tohru Kuramori, a dark fantasy manga that has drawn inevitable comparisons to Berserk . With its brutal opening, eldritch horrors, and a protagonist burdened by 100 stolen lives, does this ne…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 622: Tamon's B-Side
Xan explores the world of J-pop fandom with Tamon's B-Side by Yuki Shiwasu, a shojo series that peels back the glittering curtain of idol life. When a devoted fangirl discovers her favorite idol is actually a gloomy, insecure mess behind t…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 621: Cyberpunk Edgerunners Madness
In this episode, Xan plugs into the world of Night City once more with Cyberpunk Edgerunners Madness by Bartosz Sztybor with art by Asano. This manga prequel to the acclaimed Netflix anime series follows Rebecca and her brother Pilar as th…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 620: Kindergarten Wars
In this episode, Xan enrolls in Kindergarten Wars by You Chiba, a shonen action-comedy that takes the "assassins at school" premise and cranks it up to eleven. Set in a kindergarten for VIP children where the teachers are ex-criminals work…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 619: I Want To Escape From Princess Lessons
n this episode, Xan examines I Want To Escape From Princess Lessons by Izumi Sawano (Author), Uri Sugata (Illustrator), and Miru Yumesaki (Contributor). What begins as a familiar "princess in training" setup quickly evolves into something…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 618: Magical Midlifer
In this episode, Xan dives into Magical Midlifer by Maki, a new manga that flips the magical girl genre on its head. Instead of sparkly teenagers, we follow middle-aged men working behind the scenes to clean up the mess—literally. Is this…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 617: City Hunter Omnibus
In this episode, Xan revisits a legendary seinen series originally reviewed way back in Episode 102 by former co-host Kal. City Hunter by Tsukasa Hojo follows Ryo Saeba, a "Sweeper" who cleans up Tokyo's underworld while chasing beautiful…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 616: Ichi The Witch
In this episode, Xan dives into the hot new Shonen Jump sensation, Ichi the Witch , by Osamu Nishi with art by Shiro Usazaki. This series follows Ichi, a feral boy who becomes the world's first male witch. Does this hit have the magic to b…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 615: Hope You're Happy Lemon
In this episode, Xan dissects the romantic comedy Hope You're Happy, Lemon by Mizuki Kishikawa. This manga takes the classic "body swap" premise and injects it with the high-stakes drama of an ex-girlfriend wild card. Does this story honor…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 614: Betrothed To My Sister's Ex.
In this episode, Xan and Gretta delve into the charming yet complicated world of Betrothed to My Sister's Ex by Tobirano, with art by Chikage Nakakura. This manga adaptation of a hit light novel presents a classic Cinderella romance with a…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 613: Mujina Into The Deep
In this episode, Xan delves into the dark, hyper-detailed cyberpunk world of Mujina into the Deep by Inio Asano (creator of Goodnight Punpun ). This highly anticipated manga presents a brutal, near-future dystopia where human rights are a…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 612: Star Wars Path of the Lightsaber
In this episode, Xan travels to that galaxy far, far away to review Star Wars: Path of the Lightsaber by Kenny Ruiz. This manga follows a young salvager who discovers a lost lightsaber in the tumultuous era right after The Last Jedi . Is t…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 611 : Wash It All Away
Happy New Year from Spiraken! Xan and Gretta kick off 2026 with a tranquil and beautiful manga to match the season of new beginnings. They review Wash It All Away by Mitsuru Hattori, a calming slice-of-life story about a woman with amnesia…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 610: Kamudo
Merry Christmas Eve! In this special holiday episode, Xan unwraps Kamudo , the new fantasy epic from the legendary duo Akira Himekawa (creators of The Legend of Zelda manga). Set in a divine world before mankind, this series follows Kamuna…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 609: Osamu Tezuka's Lost World
In this episode, Xan travels back to the dawn of modern manga with Lost World by the legendary Osamu Tezuka. As the inaugural work in Tezuka's classic sci-fi trilogy, does this proto-manga about a rogue dinosaur planet stand as a visionary…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 608: Tower Dungeon
In this episode, Xan ventures into the grim, oppressive world of Tower Dungeon by legendary creator Tsutomu Nihei ( Blame!, Knights of Sidonia ). Does the master of sci-fi architecture successfully conquer the dark fantasy genre with this…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 607: Akane Banashi
In this episode, Xan delves into the award-winning Akane-banashi by Yuki Suenaga, illustrated by Takamasa Moue. ----more---- This manga brilliantly explores the traditional Japanese art of rakugo through the eyes of a young woman on a miss…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 606: My Hero Academia - Vigilante
In this episode, Xan dives into the acclaimed prequel, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes , by Hideyuki Furuhashi and Betten Court. This series explores the street-level heroes who operate without a license in the MHA universe. Does this grittie…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 605: Kaiju Kamui
In this episode, Xan tackles Kaiju Kamui by Shintaro Arima, a kaiju manga that wears its Evangelion influences on its sleeve. Does this story of a pilot bonding with a biological weapon to fight monsters forge its own path, or does it get…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 604: Revisiting the Masterpiece - Mushishi Collector's Edition
In this special episode, Xan is joined by Gretta to revisit a true classic: Mushishi by Yuki Urushibara. Originally reviewed in Episode 120, does this beloved fantasy mystery about a wandering "Mushi Master" hold up after all these years?…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 603: Tank Chair
In this episode, Xan dives into the brutal and unique dystopian action of Tank Chair by Manabu Yashiro. This manga features a comatose assassin in a weaponized wheelchair and the sister who guides him on a violent path to recovery. Is this…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 602: Mr Rockman
In this episode, Xan examines Mr. Megaman (Rockman-san) by Yushi Kawata & Yukito—a bizarre but charming slice-of-life manga where the Blue Bomber trades battling Robot Masters for a career in dentistry. Is this Udon Entertainment manga a l…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 601: The Purrfectly Charming Cats with Jobs
n this episode, Xan kicks off the 600s with a delightful change of pace: Cats with Jobs by Pandania. This wholesome slice-of-life manga explores the secret world of felines with careers. Is it the cathartic and relaxing read we all need? W…
- Spiraken Manga Review - Episode 600: A Milestone Review of Chained Soldier!
Celebrate 600 episodes of the Spiraken Manga Review! For this landmark episode, Xan tackles the controversial and popular Chained Soldier (Mato Seihei no Slave) by Takahiro with art by Yohei Takemura. Does this hit fantasy harem manga abou…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 599: Cat's Eye Omnibus (2025)
In this special milestone episode, Xan is joined by Gretta to revisit a true classic: Cat's Eye by Tsukasa Hojo. Originally reviewed 300 episodes ago, does the story of the three Kisugi sisters—art thieves reclaiming their father's work—st…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 598: Tenmaku Cinema
Xan hits the set with Tenmaku Cinema , the short-lived but ambitious manga from the acclaimed duo Yūto Tsukuda (Story) and Shun Saeki (Art). Does this Viz Media title swap culinary ecstasy for cinematic passion, delivering a heartfelt stor…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 597: Tokyo Alien Bros
Xan beams down to review Tokyo Alien Bros by Keigo Shinzō, a unique seinen manga that swaps alien invasions for everyday life. Follow two extraterrestrial brothers—one a natural, one a disaster—as they attempt to master "being human" in th…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 596: Natsume & Natsume
Xan delves into Natsume & Natsume by Shunsuke Sorato, a shojo rom-com about a "villainous-looking" boy and an incredibly popular girl who share the same name. Does this Azuki Manga series live up to its fantastic setup, or does it become a…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 595: Spacewalking With You
Xan explores Spacewalking with Me by Inuhiko Doronoda, a poignant coming-of-age manga about an unlikely bond between a daydreamer and a "yankee" delinquent. Does this Kodansha title use its cosmic metaphor to deliver a relatable story abou…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 594: Lil' Leo
Xan explores a delightful departure from the norm with Lil' Leo by the legendary Moto Hagio—a foundational member of the Year 24 Group. Does this collection of charming short stories about a curious cat prove the iconic writer's versatilit…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 593: Buffalo 5 Girls
Xan saddles up for Buffalo 5 Girls by Moyoco Anno—a short-lived but explosive josei manga about a band of women fleeing oppression on stolen motorcycles across the Wild West. Was this bold, feminist tale from the creator of Sugar Sugar Run…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 592: Appare-Ranman
Appare Ranman! – Steampunk Madness Across the Wild West! 🏎️ Xan fires up the engine on Appare Ranman! , a wildly inventive steampunk racing manga from the minds of Appareacing (story) and Antonsiku (art). Follow the chaotic duo of a geniu…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 591: Übel Blatt
Xan tackles Übel Blatt by Etorouji Shiono —a brutal seinen revenge saga often compared to Berserk . Does this Yen Press manga carve its own path, or does it live in the shadow of giants? We dissect its grim worldbuilding, relentless action…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 590: Cooking With Wild Game
Xan taste-tests Cooking With Wild Game by EDA, a J-Novel Club isekai manga adaptation that blends fantasy survival with culinary adventure. Can this webnovel-turned-manga stand out in a crowded genre, or does it reheat tired tropes? We bre…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 589: Kingyo Used Books
In this episode, Xan explores Kingyo Used Books by Seimu Yoshizaki —a heartwarming iyashikei anthology where a Tokyo used bookstore becomes a haven for manga lovers. Discover how this Viz Media Signature title celebrates manga’s power to h…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 588: The Climber
In this episode, Xan dissects The Climber —a profound sports manga adaptation of Jiro Nitta’s novel, with story by Toshio Nabeda and Hiroshi Takano, and striking art by Shin’ichi Sakamoto. This Viz Media Signature title explores the psycho…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 587: Real
In this powerful episode, Xan examines Real - Takehiko Inoue's (Vagabond) brutally honest seinen manga about wheelchair basketball and overcoming physical/emotional trauma. How does this Viz Media-published series tackle disability with mo…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 586: Made In Abyss
In this episode, Xan explores Akihito Tsukushi's critically acclaimed Made in Abyss - a haunting seinen manga that blends adorable character designs with disturbing body horror. Follow the journey of young explorers venturing into a myster…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 585: Gachiakuta
In this episode, Xan dives into Gachiakuta by Kei Urana —a brutal, high-octane shonen manga about a "Cleaner" navigating a dystopian wasteland. How does it stack up against classics like Battle Angel Alita and Dorohedoro? Is it the next bi…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 584: Hikari-Man
Xan tackles Hikari-Man —Hideo Yamamoto’s (Homunculus) twisted tale of electromagnetically sensitive outcasts seeking vengeance. Is this brutal seinen sci-fi a cathartic triumph or a descent into madness? Some Minor spoilers, and some raw a…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 583: Last Quarter
Xan dives into Last Quarter , a haunting romance from Ai Yazawa (creator of Nana) —blending supernatural mystery with her signature emotional depth. Does this hidden gem live up to her legendary status? No spoilers, just pure admiration fo…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 582: Takahashi From The Bike Shop
In this episode, Xan dives into Takahashi from the Bike Shop by Arare Matsumushi - a critically acclaimed josei romance about an office worker falling for a blunt bicycle shop owner. Despite its unconventional art style, this Yen Press tit…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 581: Ice-Head Gill
In this episode, Xan cracks open Ice Head Gill by Ikuo Hachiya a new Shonen Jump series about an axe-wielding boy battling liches in a frostbitten world. Does this Norse mythology-infused action manga deserve its spot in Jump’s lineup? Tun…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 580: Super Cub
In this episode, Xan explores Super Cub by Tone Koken (illustrated by Kanitan) - a heartwarming slice-of-life manga about a lonely girl discovering freedom through her Honda Super Cub. ----more---- Is this motorcycle-focused story worth yo…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 579: Hikaru in the Light
In this episode, Xan dives into Hikaru in the Light by Mai Matsuda, an inspirational music manga now being released in full color by Scholastic. Does the colorization enhance the story, or does it change the tone of this limited series? Jo…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 578: Ashita no Joe/ Tomorrow's Joe
In This Episode, Xan has the privilege to review a cornerstone manga series that has influenced so many. Is it worth the hype? Let's find out as he reviews Ashita no Joe/Tomorrow's Joe/Ashita no Joe: Fighting For Tomorrow by Asao Takamori…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 577: Vagabond
In This Episode, Xan has the privilege to review a signature samurai manga that discusses one of the most popular Japanese Swordsman of all time. Is it worth the hype? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue. -…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 576: Wind Breaker
In This Episode, Xan reviews a shonen action series about protecting a neighborhood and kicking ass. Is it worth reading? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews Wind Breaker by Satoru Nii. ----more----As our host discusses the familiar…
- Spiraken Manga Review Ep 575: Yakuza Fiancé Raise Wa Tanin ga Ii
In This Episode, Xan reviews a seinen manga about arranged marriages, psychotic fiancès and weird overtures of love. Is it romantic? Well sit back and find out as he reviews Yakuza Fiancè: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii by Asuka Konishi. ----more---…